Fiction-writing rules from various authors.

[simsinthecity]

This is what I'm talking about. It's a list of rules for writing fiction (usually ten per author but sometimes less) from some (somewhat?) well-known authors. I figured I'd share here in case anyone wanted some input or advice from more people than just the folks here at SWC

Comments

[so_goshable]

2. "... I want to figure out what he looks like from the way he talks." While I agree with this, I also believe that a tag is fine; for instance, something like a ball cap that a particular character always wears. Not really necessary when it comes to Sims though, since they're like picture books.

3. "Said" when repeatedly said can get boring. When used in moderation, verbs can help flavor a story.

6. I am very guilty of this, to the point that I will "suddenly" annoy myself.

7. I do this with certain characters, and I always worry that people might not "get it".

10. This is hard, because a witer (or simmer) can become attached and not notice it themselves. My rules of thumb is, if I find myself second guessing, leave it out, or ask a beta to take a peek.

[simsinthecity]

Which of the lists is this for, the first one?

[so_goshable]

Oh, sorry. It's from the from the first list.

[madame_ugly]

The biggest thing you should take from that list of "rules" is not to take yourself too seriously. Just look at how many people on the list poked fun at the whole concept of writing rules.

But I fully agree with (I forget who said it and don't care enough to go back and look it up) "You chose to do this, don't whine." And (from a different person) "Don't have children."

[medleymisty]

I'm definitely not having kids.

What do you mean by "taking yourself too seriously"? I doubt any of the people on the list would be on the list if they didn't take their writing seriously and didn't put effort into it.

And there's nothing wrong with the occasional whine.

[madame_ugly]

"Taking yourself too seriously" as in not being able to laugh at yourself and losing perspective. Yes, you can be serious about your writing (as in wanting to improve and all that) but when you take YOURSELF too seriously (meaning can't take constructive criticism and think you invented writing) then you need to step back and get a grip on yourself.

That applies to any hobby/job/whatever. There's a fine line between giving yourself (time/effort/etc) to a project (whatever it may be) and LOSING yourself to a project.

Like I already mentioned, look at some of the responses from "big name" writers (Atwood is the one I remember the most). She pokes fun at the whole concept of "rules" which shows a good balance between dedication and obsession.

[naughtydolphin]

I finally got around to reading it, and there were quite a few good points in there. I just need to get back into writing regularly. I have to make time for it.